New Galion business will produce ammo, 10 jobs

GALION — An ordinance passed by Galion City Council on Tuesday evening opens the door for a new manufacturing business to operate at 601 South St.

Mark Schneider, a U.S. veteran and owner of a company that produces high-quality, smokeless ammunition explained the process he uses in his business to council.

“I will be hiring at least 10 employees immediately,” Schneider said.

Schneider explained that an ordinance to allow him and his employees to perform tests on the ammunition by firing rounds into a barrel-type container filled with water is imperative for the plant to open in Galion.

“The area for testing will be inside a metal room constructed inside the brick building,” Schneider said.

Schneider said he has a license for his business through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and strictly follows all rules and regulations.

Council member Gail Baldinger wanted the ordinance amended to only allow people that hold the license to be able to shoot a firearm in the city limits, which was immediately added by law director Thomas Palmer.

Council passed the ordinance as an emergency so Schneider can move forward with his business plans in a timely manner.

Council also passed the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the bidding process to begin for a shelter at Amman’s Reservoir.

Mayor Tom O’Leary said plans for the shelter now include a parking area that allows for handicap spaces and electric and heat for the shelter project that is estimated to cost around $70,000. Funding is coming from the parks and recreation account along with a grant from the Freese Foundation.

O’Leary said plans for a handicap accessible restroom facility are underway for next spring. The shelter will be 25 feet by 40 feet in size.

Galion resident Howard Morrow raised his concerns with council about several issues regarding the construction of a hotel at the corner of Brandt Road and Ohio 598 in Jefferson Township and its effects on the wells of residents that live in the area.

The next council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 23 at the municipal building.